Get Ahead of Tax Season: Your Small Business Organization Checklist

Stay ahead this tax season with expert tips and a comprehensive checklist for small business organization.

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful—if you start preparing early. Mid-November is the perfect time to take stock of your financials and put systems in place so you’re not scrambling come January. At The Accountant, we know how overwhelming the year-end rush can feel, so we’ve created this simple checklist to help small business owners get organized and stay ahead of the game.

1. Organize Your Financial Records

The foundation of a smooth tax season is clean, complete financial data.

• Reconcile all bank and credit card accounts.

• Make sure all invoices and receipts are entered into your accounting software.

• Categorize expenses correctly to maximize deductions.

• Review vendor and customer lists for accuracy.

Taking the time now prevents headaches later and ensures your books reflect the true financial picture of your business.

2. Review Payroll & Contractor Payments

Year-end reporting for employees and contractors can be tricky if information is missing.

• Verify employee W-2 details for accuracy (names, addresses, SSNs).

• Ensure 1099 contractors have up-to-date addresses and tax ID numbers.

• Double-check that payroll taxes have been filed and paid.

Catching mistakes before December saves time, avoids penalties, and ensures compliance.

3. Gather Supporting Documentation

The IRS loves documentation, and so should you. Collect and organize:

• Mileage logs for business travel.

• Home office expense records.

• Business meal and entertainment receipts.

• Records of major purchases (equipment, vehicles, or software) for depreciation or deduction eligibility.

The more thorough your documentation, the smoother your filing process will be.

4. Update and Catch Up on Your Books

If bookkeeping has fallen behind, now is the time to catch up.

• Enter missing transactions.

• Run preliminary profit & loss and balance sheet reports.

• Compare actual results to your budget to make informed year-end financial decisions.

Having up-to-date books isn’t just for taxes—it helps you see where your business stands before closing out the year.

5. Meet with Your Accountant Before Year-End

One of the best moves you can make is to talk with your accountant before the calendar flips. Together, you can:

• Explore year-end tax strategies, like accelerating expenses or deferring income.

• Review retirement contribution options for you and your employees.

• Discuss eligibility for new credits or deductions.

Proactive planning can lead to significant tax savings and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A little preparation now can make all the difference when tax season arrives. Use this checklist to get ahead, reduce stress, and make smarter financial decisions for your business. And remember—you don’t have to do it all alone.

At The Accountant, we specialize in helping small businesses stay organized, compliant, and financially confident all year long. Whether you need bookkeeping clean-up, payroll support, or a year-end strategy session, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your tax season prep consultation and start the new year with confidence.